The sun was shining brightly over Pallet Town, casting a warm golden hue over the rooftops and distant fields. The sea breeze drifted gently from the port, carrying with it the scent of salt and the soft sound of waves lapping against the docks. Today was a special day—not just for Pallet Town, but especially for one boy: Gary Oak.
Now ten years old, Gary stood near the harbor with a calm expression, hands tucked into the pockets of his light jacket as he looked out at the sea. His chestnut-brown hair danced slightly in the breeze, and his eyes—sharp with confidence—scanned the horizon. The time had come. Today, he would finally receive his first Pokémon and begin his journey as a trainer. But he wasn't alone.
A boat horn echoed through the air as a sleek, white passenger ferry pulled into dock. Gary's eyes lit up as he stepped closer. The moment he had been waiting for was finally here.
A line of passengers began disembarking, many of them tourists and young trainers arriving in Kanto for the first time. Then, he saw her—chestnut hair bouncing with each step, wearing a pink hat with a white ribbon, and carrying a small shoulder bag. Serena.
"Serena!" Gary called out, waving.
She turned, and when her eyes met his, they sparkled with happiness. A soft pink hue spread across her cheeks as she hurried over.
"Gary!" she said, nearly breathless with excitement.
They stopped in front of each other, both smiling. Serena brushed her hair behind her ear nervously.
"You came to pick me up..."
"Of course I did. We made a promise, remember? We'd start our journey together."
Serena nodded quickly, her heart pounding in her chest. She had dreamed about this moment for months. Though she kept her feelings for Gary mostly to herself, they were as clear as the sky above. Letters, calls, and even video chats hadn't stopped her from missing him terribly.
"It's really good to see you again," she said softly.
"Same here," Gary replied, giving her a small smirk. "Ready to get our Pokémon?"
Serena nodded. "Ready as I'll ever be."
They began walking toward Professor Oak's lab, side by side. Along the way, they passed by familiar sights—fields of tall grass, flocks of Pidgey flying overhead, and a small group of kids playing with their Pokémon. It all added to the excitement bubbling within them.
Serena's eyes shifted to Gary from time to time, but every time he caught her gaze, she quickly looked away. She held tightly to the strap of her bag, silently hoping she wouldn't say something embarrassing.
Gary, for his part, had long known about Serena's feelings. She wasn't exactly subtle—especially in her letters. But he didn't mind. In fact, he found it kind of cute. Still, he had decided not to push anything. They were only ten, after all. There would be time later.
When they arrived at the lab, Professor Oak was already waiting for them outside with a wide smile.
"Well, well! Look who's finally arrived! Gary and Serena—both bright and early, just how I like it!"
"Morning, Grandpa," Gary said casually.
"Good morning, Professor Oak!" Serena bowed respectfully.
"Good morning to you too, my dear! Come on in. I've prepared something special this year. I think you'll both be pleasantly surprised."
Inside the lab, the familiar equipment hummed softly. Oak led them to a table where three Poké Balls were neatly arranged. Behind the table was a large screen displaying three images projected like holograms.
Serena gasped slightly. "Wait... that's not the usual Kanto starter Pokemon."
Gary raised an eyebrow. "Dratini, Eevee, and... Pikachu?"
Professor Oak chuckled, pleased by their reactions. "I decided to change things up a bit this year. These three Pokémon are incredibly special, and I thought it was only right that our brightest new trainers get the chance to start with something unique."
"But... why these three?" Gary asked curiously. 'I get the Pikachu, but the others?'
Oak smiled mysteriously. "Let's just say... I had a hunch. And perhaps a little inside knowledge."
Gary stared at the screen again. Dratini, the elusive Dragon-type. It was rare, powerful, and full of potential. His heart began to pound.
"I choose Dratini," Gary said without hesitation.
Oak nodded approvingly. "A wise choice. Dratini will need a lot of care and patience, but I believe you're up for the task."
Serena looked at the remaining two. Pikachu looked fierce even in the hologram, its cheeks sparking occasionally. The professor had warned it was aggressive. Then there was Eevee—fluffy, wide-eyed, and adorable. Her heart melted.
"I'll pick Eevee," she said happily.
Professor Oak beamed. "Excellent choice, Serena. Eevee is full of potential, and I'm sure it'll be a great companion."
As the professor handed them their Poké Balls, he quietly smiled to himself. He had chosen those specific Pokémon for a reason. Gary had shown interest in Dragon-types for years, and Serena's sweet, adaptable nature made Eevee the perfect fit, alongside his intuition about Gary and Serena ending up together. That is one of the main reasons he picked Eevee for her.
He handed them each a Pokédex and six Poké Balls.
"These Pokédexes will record data on any Pokémon you encounter," Oak explained. "It's also a handy communication tool and map."
Just as he was about to continue, the lab door burst open.
"Waaaaait! I'm not too late, right?!"
Ash Ketchum stumbled into the room, panting, still in his pajamas. His hair was an absolute mess, and he had mismatched slippers on.
"Oh man... I overslept again!"
Gary couldn't help but burst out laughing. "No way! I called it! Remember when we met at the summer camp? I said you'd sleep in on your first day—and look at you!"
Ash puffed his cheeks. "Hey! It's not my fault my alarm didn't go off!"
Serena giggled softlybehind her hand.
"Good morning, Ash," Professor Oak said, clearly amused. "Well, you're lucky the Pikachu is still here. But I must warn you—it has quite the temper."
Ash perked up instantly. "Pikachu? I'll take it!"
Gary rolled his eyes. "Figures."
Serena looked between them, already sensing the rivalry flaring up.
"This is going to be an interesting journey," she muttered with a smile.
Ash reached for the Poké Ball, and the moment he did, it sparked slightly.
"Uh... is it supposed to do that?" he asked nervously.
Oak sighed. "Yes. Just be careful, Ash. And remember to treat your Pokémon with kindness and respect."
Ash nodded eagerly. "I will! Pikachu and I are going to be the best team ever!"
Gary crossed his arms. "We'll see about that."
With their Pokémon chosen, the three of them stood together for the first time as official Pokémon Trainers. Oak handed Ash his Pokédex and Poké Balls.
"Now then," Oak said with a proud smile. "Your journeys begin here. Go out into the world, meet Pokémon, grow strong, and most importantly—have fun. Though you will definitely have to change your clothes first Ash."
They all nodded. Gary and Serena exchanged a look, and she gave a soft smile, while ash looked embarrassed at seeing that he forgot to change his pajamas.
As the trio stepped outside the lab together, the world seemed so much bigger.
Little did they know, their journey would be filled with battles, friendship, challenges—and maybe, just maybe, a little bit of romance.